D-Day
wogma rating: Add to that never-watched 'To Watch' list (?)
A thriller which tries hard to be way too much more.
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D-Day - Preview
A spy has been planted in Pakistan for nine years and it is now time for him to bring the terrorists residing them down. That spy is played by Irrfan Khan.
What looks like the leader of a terrorist group or at least an arms dealer claims that he is only a businessman. That leader is played by Rishi Kapoor.
Add to the mix Huma Qureshi and Arjun Rampal, and we are pretty much set for a very interesting mix of actors. They all look pensive, they all look like they mean business. The plot too is intriguing with the terrorism angle. Let's just hope that it doesn't go jingoist on us or become too one-sided.
Last but the most interesting bit is that D-Day is directed by Nikhil Advani. From the trailers at least, it doesn't look anything like what Nikhil Advani has done before. We've either seen him make half-decent romance or nonsense. Nothing that anyone could've taken too seriously. D-Day does come across as an intense film that is all set to evoke a lot of emotion, only not the lovey-dovey kind.
Music Reviews:
Bollyspice - "2.5/5"
Bollywood Hungama - "2.5/5"
glamsham - "3.5/5"
Milliblog - "The trio nail the sound as usual, even if the tunes work only intermittently."
Music Aloud - "8/10"
- meeta, a part of the audience
A bomb blasts, you are disturbed. You want to do something about it but feel helpless and lost. We rant about it, we complain about the administration. Bloggers blog about it. And filmmakers, well, at least some of them make films to present their point of view. D-Day ultimately, comes across as a filmmakers rant.
Writer-director Nikhil Advani sets up his characters in a rather dull manner. You know their sad stories, but you don't really care for them, till interval point. At break time, the twist suddenly makes you wonder what will happen to these characters. Thereafter though, instead of piquing the build-up, the narrative flattens.
The pace of the action film slackens into moments of reflections by the characters. This is a shame because the turmoil of the male lead characters is played out really well. Thematically, this starts off with wonderful editing between a R&AW mission and a song at a wedding. But, when such treatment is juxtaposed with the film's larger theme, the pace becomes very uneven.
Uneven writing doesn't help the cause. Loyalties change; enemies find out each others' moves and companions; the incredible happens, just out of nowhere. Towards the end, D-Day comes across more as a fantasy of what ought to happen in the real world than trying to keep it real.
Interestingly, the climax seems to be talking simultaneously to our administration of what they ought to do and to the terrorists warning them against what we could be capable of. And what about that is not going to go down well with the audience?
A very capable Irrfan Khan and a flat-but-effective performance by Arjun Rampal are D-Day's high points. Rishi Kapoor does whatever he's asked to do with ease. Unfortunately, his character isn't menacing enough to give him room to instill fear. Huma Qureshi barely makes her presence felt. You really wonder if there is a reason other than equal representation in a spy team, for her to be included. Shruti Haasan, on the other hand, has a better, more meaningful role. Interestingly, her performance seems effective when she has shorter lines. Beyond a line or two and her accent begins to falter, which makes it very distracting.
The number of songs, even while they play in the background are too many and slow down the proceedings considerably. The film lingers too much for an action film. Post-interval, the plot goes haywire and the editing loses grip except for a few sequences. Even in those wonderful sequences, it stretches a bit longer than optimum - enough to make you impatient.
D-Day wants to be a stylish take on the psyche of the martyrs of this country while also trying to make a larger point about how terrorism ought to be handled. And, it also wants to be a thriller. Too much on one plate.
- meeta, a part of the audience
Thumbs up, by Subhash K. Jha, Apun Ka Choice : ...The cinematography by Tushar Kanti Ray uses cluttered garish spaces to create a sense of spiritual emptiness during times of tremendous stress and anxiety.... full review
Thumbs up, by Bobby Sing, Bobby Talks Cinema.com : ...Post intermission, the excellence continues but the pace drops for a while with some avoidable long sequences which at one end may please the critics, but on the other might turn out to be less engaging & uninteresting to others.... full review
Thumbs up, by Kiran Devgun, Bolly Spice : ...D-Day is a powerfully executed story that delivers what it set out from the very beginning.... full review
Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...D-DAY is what a well-made thriller ought to be -- taut, transfixing and spellbinding, with an astounding finale. Don't miss this high-octane thriller!... full review
Thumbs up, by Dhiren Trivedi, Bollywood Life : ...Overall, D-Day is well-made. The script and screenplay is terrific. Tusshar Ray’s cinematography is innovative... full review
Thumbs up, by Sarita Tanwar , DNA : ...D-Day takes you into a world you haven't been to before. While you have seen many thrillers with spies and raw agents, this one is different in that, it uses references to many real life instances (people and places). ... full review
Thumbs up, by Devesh Sharma, Filmfare : ...D-Day is one of the best hard-hitting action films to have come out of the Indian film industry.... full review
Thumbs up, by Neha Mathur, Fully Hyderabad : ...The soulful music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is especially poignant, and will remain with you long after you leave the theatre. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...The haunting melodies with apt lyrics tear through you as Advani makes optimal use of situations to throw in the music. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Rajeev Masand, IBN Live : ...Far from perfect, but as pulpy Bollywood action films go, it's very watchable and works its strengths... full review
Thumbs up, by Mohar Basu, koimoi : ...D-Day is by far one of India’s most applausive high octave action films, which has a charming rendition in terms of an emotional plot.... full review
Thumbs up, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...D-Day is a well-researched, purposefully executed film.... full review
Thumbs up, by Paloma Sharma, Rediff : ...Complete with subtle references, pinches of dark humour and ironic symbolism, this is a film you didn’t know you’d been waiting for until you see it on the big screen. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...D-Day is a realistically shot, fantasy film. ... full review
Thumbs up, by K N Gupta, SmasHits.com : ...Tushar Kanti Ray's cinematography is fantastic.... full review
Thumbs up, by Gaurav Malani, Times of India : ...D-Day is a well-intended social film and a well-executed thriller... full review
Thumbs up, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...D-Day is explosive at three levels. The plot crackles. The acting sears. And the music flares with passion... full review
Thumbs up, by Rummana Ahmed, yahoo! India : ...Nikhil Advani exhibits rare brilliance as he manages to sustain edge-of-the-seat suspense throughout. ... full review
Thumbs up, by Gayatri Sankar, Zee News : ...D-Day’ throws light on those unsung heroes who sacrifice everything, even their identities for the nation.... full review
So-So, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...For the most part, D-Day is an accomplished film – a script that’s unconventional for Bollywood is translated into a polished production peopled by talented actors. ... full review
So-So, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...The premise of D-Day is fabulous, and if Advani could trim the fat, it would have been a great entertainer.... full review
So-So, by Suparna Sharma, Deccan Chronicle : ...The film's music is lovely.... full review
So-So, by Deepa Deosthalee, Film Impressions : ...Still it fares slightly better than standard Bollywood potboilers, being reasonably well-acted and produced... full review
So-So, by Swati Deogire, In.com : ...D-Day’ falls short in more ways than one and is average fare.... full review
So-So, by Vinayak Chakravorty, india today : ...D-Day is quick and sleek. It is your film if violence mixed with melodrama and pop patriotism is your cocktail of choice... full review
So-So, by Shalini Langer, indian express : ...for the most part, it works. ... full review
So-So, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...Though Nikhil Advani has come up with a slick thriller, we wish it could have been more crisper.... full review
So-So, by Karan Anshuman, Mumbai Mirror : ...The first half is slightly stretched but it is offset by the characters' helplessness evoking an unsettling feeling in the second half.... full review
So-So, by Mansha Rastogi, Now Running.com : ...Had it not been for a jingoistic speech towards the end and the highly melodramatic familial sagas of each and every character along with predictable turn of events, D-Day could have been a flawless nail-biting thriller which it is throughout the first half... full review
So-So, by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters : ...“D-Day” has interesting characters and even though the 153-minute film has its sluggish moments, the plot is intriguing enough to hold the viewer’s attention.... full review
So-So, by Sudhish Kamath, The Hindu : ...If you are willing to overlook these Bollywood reductions and the inherent populism that drives our mainstream cinema, then there is a lot you will like about D-Day. ... full review
Thumbs down, by Deepanjana Pal, FirstPost : ...you have to sit through about 143 minutes of D-Day for no good reason.... full review
Thumbs down, Free Press Journal : ...Nikhil Advani basically appears to have lost sight of his high concept idea somewhere along the way and it’s certainly not a very engaging sight!... full review
wumboWumbologst: .@nickadvani you sir restroted my faith in the hindi film industry. All the 'bollywood rocks' debates are gona be won on D- Day's basis :)
Vod_kaKnockers_: And with that D-Day also becomes the first movie I've seen alone. Enjoyed every bit of the experience !
vishal_92: D-Day is just an award winning movie
vinitnagda1: D-day is an excellent movie...awesum storyline n executed....congratz 2 d team of d-day fr makin such a succesful n commendable movie
Varad_Bhatnagar: Brilliant and very well crafted with just so perfect acts. Witnessed a hall giving standing ovation with claps at the end#D-Day
Vaids: #dday superb & a must watch film @rampalarjun awesome & in luv wth the persona he has.@irrfan_k gave an awestrucking performance.
ttiinnnnyy: #DDay d last conversation between arjun rampal n rishi kapoor (D) ws superb...wish india really gets rid of all such elements...nice movie!
tipsfrdirection: Edge thriller Dday big twist n d end...enjoyed
TheMaanavMehta: Loved D-Day
TheFookFace: I see most of you complaining about Hindi films being stale and not creative. You have a chance to watch something different in D-Day.
the_pranx_says: Amazing camerawork ,direction nd acting makes u ignore d loose script n fall in love with #d_day ...take a bow @rampalarjun
tejramsharma: D-day awesome movie fantastic performance done by Arjun and Irfan khan plz watch it great clap
tbkdotcom: D-Day scores 3.5 out of 5 in The Bollywood Khans Critics Score Board #DDay #RishiKapoor #IrrfanKhan #ArjunRampal #ShrutiHaasan #HumaQureshi
surekapuja: Watched d- day awesome movie good work by #arjunrampal #nikiladvani#irfan khan a must watched
sudhirkothari03: Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan Khan & Arjun Rampal all steal the show of ‘#DDay’ Don't miss it.. go n watch it...
sovinaaa: D-day was actually pretty good.
smcheema: I think it is a must watch movie...D-Day @rampalarjun
sjoshipura: D-Day , Really a Good Film .
SifarKaSafar: I like D-Day..though..the end is unrealistic.. but surely it's a master stroke of Nikhil Advani.
siddhantsawant: #D-Day whT an Amazing film, just superb great work on the story, music, action and all other things.
shivanggoyal1: Watched d-day .... awesum film
shameekc: Just watched d day. Awesome ride ! Highly recommend.
sanghitanandi: #D-Day has left me speechless. Need some time to gather my thoughts...
ruchirshah89: #Dday nice movie.... last speech by #RishiKapoor was awesome....
Rishab4188: I would suggest all to watch #dday. Brilliant performances by arjun rampal, irrfan khan n ofcourse chintu kapoor.
Ravz03: #DDay Mind Blowing! @rampalarjun hotness redefined!
rajeshkw: Watched #dday... absolute stunning... hollywood eshtyle!!
PSEsunny: #DDAY Totally justice done by @rampalarjun with is role..Must watch *****
prrrince: .. Dday - super movie ---> @IamRoySanyal is KICKASS in the movie (Y) More power to u chandan. love
PrashantKumar41: #DDay is the by far the best attempt to get the most wanted man ...kudos to you #NikhilAdvani ..and @humasqureshi your awesome ...
prashaant163: Watched D-Day yesterday. A flawed, watchable flick!
Porsh_911: P&D Day...I luuuuv me some him...
plknijhawan: #DDAY @rampalarjun #Respect #Adore #awsum
NeelanshPrasad: D-Day,what a movie !!! Rishi Kapoor hats off !!
MoviePlanning: DDay could have been very good but for some melodrama and romantic track. Wish it stayed focused on the main plot and did not lose pace. ***
movie_blast: Don't miss the film ....it's worth your money...Love track between Arjun rampal and Shruthi Hassan is quite memorable and great #Dday
moterwala11: Watched #DDay today .A hardcore action movie .Rishi kapoor is best as Dawood " goldman " , Irfan khan is legend as always . 3 stars from me
miki_oceanblue: Jst saw #dday...its simply awesome...nd .@rampalarjun ur acting..m speechless..luvd it..seems like level of bollywood is goin really high:-)
madhumakhija: Just watched D-Day Movie. Liked It!
LovelyPinkJY: 2013 BEAUTIFUL SHOW D-Day 와우! http://twitter.com/LovelyPinkJY/status/358603053512921089/photo/1
LA_Herald: Entertainment News: D-Day is a surprising package from a director known so far largely for harmless, fail-safe s ... http://t.co/awF43EkxEP
KutchaRaasta: D-Day:When the credits roll & u see "Directed by Nikhil Advani' written, u'll have 2 reactions.1.He has made it? 2.Finally he has made it!
kmanish77: #DDay 1st half is mesmerizing .. Excitement at the helm for the 2nd half@karanjohar
karan120490: D-Day is for True Indian . Great acting, arresting script. Nikhil Advani has made a film every Indian will be PROUD of! #SalmanHuggedSRK
Karan_TrueBlue: d-day is the best movie I've watched in a long time. fuck you @kamaalrkhan #DDay
kanupriya_modi: D-Day is the best movie i have seen after Barfi....a masterpiece
joshipaarth: D-day# An eye catching Masterpiece by Nikhil Advani...accurate direction with unique treatment and amazing performances# Hats off#
jeetbasu: 'D-Day' is spectacular! At points it drags but overall it scores..a must watch:-):-)
jaythanks: Just watched D-DAY,a great thriller,its tooooo good.Fully enjoyed the great performance of @humasqureshi,who also looking gorgeous in movie.
itsmekamalsingh: #DDay ... Tight screenplay, Great twists, super performances. . Must see
iPrasenjit_M: Just saw #D-Day @rampalarjun #Rishi Kapoor Brilliant!! Bollywood is raising its bar in every movie!
IamTto: Powerful performances & fast-gripping storyline made it felt like must watch stuff! Irfan & Rampal outshines Rishikapoor #DDay @DivenitaEr
IamAjeetSingh: D-DAY 4 out of 5 star good movie Rishi Kapoor's best negative role ever
gunsngreen: Was surprised to know D Day is from @nickadvani. Who directed some ridiculous movies like chandni chowk to china n salaam-e-ishq....
GEETROCKKER: Watched #DDay Liked it all the actors r just fantastic @humasqureshi @irrfan_k @rampalarjun @shrutihaasan :)
gabriel13787: Njoyd d day @bhul bhulaya.....!!
freakishmee92: the best actions spy thriller Indian cinema has ever made #Dday
FeudalThemmady: D-Day what a thrilling movie. Superb thriller that touches your emotions.
dhar_rnjn: Credit due where it deserves. What a superb script by @nickadvani. D Day a complete maestro #DDay
chnyijia: D-day Beautiful Show { Day 2 }
bipul100: D-Day brings patriotism back in Bollywood.
asunaina: Have thoroughly enjoyed D Day- very well crafted, directed and acted. Best of all, very believable!
ashuagnihotri: Watched D Day. Intense and gripping
ASHOKKARANMANJU: After BMB Another classic for indian cinema is D-day. What a excellent movie this thanxs Nikhil.
aseemiitk: D-Day must watchhhhh....trigger kheech maamla mat kheech
arunangshupaul: As a movie D Day can be placed overall in the above average category because it fails on some counts in spite of... https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=525200610868844&id=300403703348537
archanashenoy22: Watched #DDay other nite...just loved it! The strong story with the finest actors, superb combination...! @rampalarjun was amazing..!
AppyOfficial: #DDay was quite good movie :) I didn't expected it be good tho.
anidubey2012: D-DAY truly a fantastic movie great work by @nickadvani @humasqureshi @rampalarjun @irrfan_k want this to happen with Daud(bastard).
AmareshMisra: D-Day a surprisingly effective spy thriller from N Advani. But shows Dawood behind Bomb blasts in India. Bias. What about 1992-93 riots?
AkhilDhanania: #D-day brilliant movie.. amzing work by @rampalarjun nd Rishi Kapoor #MustWatch
aditya0017: #D-Day #NikhalAdvani's best movie soo far....very nice story, action n acting.....
aashish_mullick: D-day is a very well made movie.great 2 watch.subtle references to madam n paid media included.lol.
96025jaysingh: bhai log d day movie iz osem
5hraddha: D-Day a good watch. Fast paced and great performances #movies
1stRanbirKapoor: My father-in-law's new film- D Day♥ LOL! Its a must watch! xD
_DaeLay: Dday >.<
varunkachhwaha: #D-Day Ok Ok movie. Not up to mark but watch it for Rishi Kapoor. Perfect Act and He will Show you how he is Still in Bollywood
tsakhran: Hindi movies must learn to quit when ahead. Excellent 1st half in #DDay; second half... Zzzzzzz! #BollyWood #films #Movies
TheOddfather101: Watched DDay this afternoon. Here's my report card: Movie: 6/10 Dialogues: 4/10 Action: 6/10 Music: (cont) http://www.twitlonger.com/show/magc2j
Shants_Cool: #DDay #IrfanKhan #RishiKapoor superlative performances. Movie - okaish...one time watch if u love gangsta flicks..
shaitaanya: Decent watch. Slick editing and action. End could've been so much better! ★ D-day — https://t.co/aXScRuHYvw
rjanup: MIRCHI BIOSCOPE D DAY - 3/5 Mirchis - Rj Anup @ Radio Mirchi UAE... https://soundcloud.com/rj-anup/mirchi-bioscope-dday-3-5
RajKrish85: D-Day good at parts...!
prasunity: #DDay is a good film!Plot was good the direction was the only thing average!
Maverick_G: D-Day was a good movie.. Could've been better..
johntmat: #DDay is not one of the best,it's the best Spy thriller out of Indian Cinema. Top performances by @irrfan_k @shrutihaasan @humasqureshi
BeingRohitAmble: #DDAY wht r realistic film Mr. Nikhil advani ?LOL ..rishi kapoor is complete misfit as dawood..saying i will go 2 Salman Bhai's " BIG BOSS "
ams_des: #D-Day not upto d mark..first half is avg ,second half s good ..2.5/5 @humasqureshi
siberpanda: Watched D-Day movie today, understood how a director can make an ass out of himslf n ultimatly of the audience !
parekhraj: #DDay would had got over in the 1st 15 mins itself if Arjun Rampal's character wld had shot rishi kapoor's character in the elevator...(1/2)
akshat_vpande: D-Day - a fast paced train which maintains its speed for half the journey, gets slow and boring after midway and... https://www.facebook.com/akshatfb/posts/10151770622146285
This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.
Parental Guidance:
- Violence: Lots of gunshots, blood and murders.
- Language: A few abusive words used
- Nudity & Sexual content: A couple of making out scenes.
- Concept: R&AW agents try to catch a terrorist.
- General Look and Feel: Grim, serious and darkish.
![[YouTube channel of D-Day]](/static/images/icons/youtube_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Wikipedia page of D-Day]](/static/images/icons/wiki_small.png){kind=icon}
![[IMDB Page of D-Day]](/static/images/icons/imdb_small.png){kind=icon}
![[Nikhil Advani twitter account]](/static/images/icons/twitter_small.png){kind=icon}
Comments (7)
waiting
Meetu , i was expecting the movie ever since the trailer was released :( , u know Irfan Khan playing another intriguing character ( Paan Singh Tomar). I rarely disagree with ur review but i hope this time it does when i go to the theatre !.
First half was a bit lame , i found the second half really enjoyable. The characters were impressive , except Shurti which i felt was forcedly used. It was also a good effort on the director part to emotionally involve its characters.
@Anup have you seen it then?
@guddu I'm glad you enjoyed it :D
Meetu - yes I have seen it,,,,the movie starts really well,,,,with duma dum mast kalandar,,,,and the blast happens,,,,then the back stories of the charaters come,,,,it was good in the first half,,,,but the post interval part the pace was very slow,,,,editing is bad,,,,the scenes where they just sit an think wht to do nxt are boring,,,,there are interesting twist in between but are not enough to make the second half wholly entertaining....
The character irfaan and arjun have played were very good,,,,including irfaan's wife also(i dont know her name),,,,the sond alvida is awsome,,,,and shruti show her love and pain in it in a superb manner,,,,the song ek ghadi was boring and not necessary....
the character rishi have played was not so inpressive as goldman,,,,and it was not his fault,,,,....
But the climax made me happy,,,,as u said it shows what should happen in place of what really happen....
If editing would have been sharp movie could easily be 10-15 min less,,,,....
Crime thriller is my fav genre so I have expected more from this movie with bunch of very good actors in it,,,,it fall short of my expectation....
I watched this on my laptop over a train ride from Ajmer to New Delhi in chair car seat with my headphones on. The movie had it ups and downs and after the movie ended I didn't know what to do. Weather to find flaws in the movie or wish that dream to come true.
I am writing this review after 4 days of watching this movie. Had this been on TV I would have skipped it. The movie starts with a bang and a peppy number but drags in the middle then it picks up after post interval but drags at the end. But I am glad I watched it. It might not be a perfect movie either story wise or direction wise but its a good attempt.
I will surely not watch the movie again but I am sure I won't forget it anytime soon. And BTW Rishi Kapoor plays a pretty awesome Goldman :).
@Anup, @Nishant thank you for your reviews. :D
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